In an unexpected turn of events, the Punjab School Education Department announced on Sunday that all schools in Punjab and Islamabad will remain closed on Monday, citing “security concerns.”
Province-Wide Closure of Schools in Punjab
The official notification stated:
“In view of the prevailing situation in the province, it has been decided that all public and private schools in Punjab will remain closed on Monday, December 16, 2024.”
However, the notification clarified that all offices will remain open and continue their operations as usual.
Extended Closures
Similarly, Islamabad’s District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the closure of all public and private schools and colleges within Islamabad’s jurisdiction on December 16, 2024 (Monday). Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner (DC), Syed Musa Raza, also declared a holiday in all public and private schools and colleges within the district on the same day. Following the Punjab government’s directive, Rawalpindi’s Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Hasan Waqar Cheema, announced a “holiday” in all public and private schools in the district. Dr. Cheema noted that exams scheduled for December 16 had been postponed.
Water Board Admits to Water Shortage in 70% area of KarachiCommemorating a Tragic Anniversary
Although the specific reason for school closures in Islamabad and Lahore was not provided, Rawalpindi’s DC explained that schools were being closed to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2014 Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar. On December 16, 2014, the deadliest terrorist attack in the country’s history occurred when heavily armed militants stormed the school, killing 131 students and 10 others.